shudder 1 of 2

noun

Definition of shuddernext
as in shiver
an instance of shaking involuntarily with fear or cold a shudder ran through him as he stepped outside into the snow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shudder

2 of 2

verb

ˈshə-dər How to pronounce shudder (audio)
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements huddled in the basement, we shuddered with fear as we heard the approaching tornado

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shudder
Noun
Some advancements have sent shudders through Hollywood. — ABC News, 18 May 2026 In early April, Anthropic sent shudders through the tech community with Claude’s Mythos Preview model. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Verb
Environmental groups, though, are shuddering about the details the new ballot measure could bring. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 The series opens as City’s record-breaking run of 26 games unbeaten comes to a shuddering halt, with a string of defeats in late 2024 leaving Guardiola visibly shaken. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shudder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shudder
  1. shiver
  2. shake
  3. tremble
  4. jerk
  5. quiver
  6. vibrate
Noun
  • This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • The warning that exuberant investors might not be quite rational sent temporary shivers through global stock markets.
    — Scott Horsley, NPR, 22 June 2026
Definition of shiver
Verb
  • The iconic bunny costume moment, when Elle is tricked into showing up to a non-costume party wearing a Playboy bunny get-up, was the catalyst for exploring how Elle was able to shake that humiliation off.
    — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
  • This tournament has built credibility by showcasing teams competing at a high level, then shaking hands afterward.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of shake
Noun
  • Be a good child, do what they’re told, be the best child, a tremble in their hands, say nothing, tensed for the knock on the door.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the recent market trembles reveal less about the immediate dangers of AI and more about the precarious psychology of modern trading.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of tremble
Verb
  • Watching their relationship devolve (never more so than when their sperm donor, a rakish, motorcycle-driving restaurant owner played by Mark Ruffalo, enters the scene) is most definitely a tear-jerking experience, as is the film’s final scene.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
  • Some were petty — like Reese committing a foul against Clark, then jerking her head back, impersonating Clark as a flopper.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Even now, there are moments during presentations when my voice still quivers.
    — Michelle De Almeida, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Each time, brown leaves that had drifted from distant trees quivered and spun on the surface.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of quiver
Verb
  • These can vibrate at different frequencies to produce different notes.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026
  • Physics explains that longer, heavier strings vibrate more slowly, producing lower pitches.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026
Definition of vibrate

Browse Nearby Words

shucks (off)
shudder
shuddered
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Cite this Entry

“Shudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shudder. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shudder

Nglish: Translation of shudder for Spanish Speakers

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